Lowell R. Gustafson May 1, 1937 ~ March 31, 2015 Lowell R. Gustafson, 77, passed away on March 31, 2015, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Lowell had been a dialysis patient for two years. When several complications were added to his body's burden, he chose to gracefully go Home for Easter. Lowell was born in Granite Falls, Minnesota, on May 1, 1937, to Elmer and Esther Parr Gustafson. He was the younger brother of Stanton and Earle Gustafson. He grew up on the family farm two miles north of Hanley Falls. As a sophomore, he played on the Hanley Falls Cyclone's District Champion basketball team. He graduated from Hanley Falls High School in 1956. He was baptized, confirmed and was a life time member of Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls where he also married his soul mate, Mavis Roseth, on December 27, 1959. Lowell and Mavis celebrated 55 years of marriage and were blessed with three daughters: Kathy, Kelly and Molly. Lowell spent his life farming and he loved the land. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year in 1972 by the Granite Falls Jaycees. He served on the Hanley Falls Farmers Co-op Elevator Board. His interest in history was cultivated during the time he served on the Yellow Medicine County Historical Society Board. He enjoyed collecting and restoring antique machinery. In 1975 he hosted a threshing bee on his farm, which later developed into Pioneer Power Association's Annual Threshing Show. He was one of the founders of the Minnesota Machinery Museum in Hanley Falls, which opened in 1980. Lowell loved being referred to as "Old L.R." and enjoyed entertaining people with his sense of humor and his accordion. Lowell cherished his family. He is reunited in heaven with his parents and many friends and relatives who have passed before him. He leaves behind his wife, Mavis Gustafson and his daughters and their husbands: Kathleen and Greg Steinmetz (Tomah, Wisconsin), Kelly and Brian Olson (Granite Falls, Minnesota), Molly and Mike Aalfs (Waconia, Minnesota); grandchildren: Branden and Austin Steinmentz, Abbey and Taylor Olson, Garrett and Avery Aalfs; brothers: Stanton Gustafson (St. Petersburg, Florida), Earle and Bonnie Gustafson (Granite Falls, Minnesota) and many nieces, nephews and family members. In Loving Memory of Lowell R. Gustafson Visitation Sunday, April 5th, 2015 ~ 5:00-7:00 p.m. Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church, Hanley Falls, Minnesota Funeral Service Monday, April 6th, 2015 ~ 11:00 a.m. Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church, Hanley Falls, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor David Peterson Organist, ZeeAnne Reishus Special Music Branden Steinmetz (Prelude) Molly Aalfs (Piano accompaniment) ~ ~ ~ Elmo Volstad Ali Satre Cassie Smith Honorary Casket Bearer Abbey Olson Casket Bearers (grandsons) Branden Steinmetz ~ Taylor Olson Garrett Aalfs ~ Avery Aalfs Austin Steinmetz ~ Nick Richter Final Resting Place East Yellow Medicine Lutheran Cemetery Hanley Falls, Minnesota ~ ~ ~ A Farmer's Creed I BELIEVE a man's greatest possessions is his dignity and that no calling bestows this more abundantly than farming. I BELIEVE hard work and honest sweat are the building blocks of a person's character. I BELIEVE that farming, despite its hardships and disappointments, is the most honest and honorable way a person can spend his days on the earth. I BELIEVE farming nurtures the close family ties that make life rich in ways money can't buy. I BELIEVE farming provides education for life and that no other occupation teaches so much about birth, growth and maturity in such a variety of ways. I BELIEVE many of the best things in life are indeed free; the splendor or sunrise, the rapture of wide open spaces, the exhilarating sight of your land greening each spring. I BELIEVE true happiness comes from watching your crops ripen in the field, your children grow tall in the sun, your whole family feel the pride that springs from their shared experience. I BELIEVE that by my toil, I am giving more to the world than I am taking from it, an honor that does not come to all. I BELIEVE my life will be measured ultimately by what I have done for my fellow man, and by that standard I fear no judgment. I BELIEVE when a person grows old and sums up his days, he should be able to stand tall and feel pride in the life he's lived. I BELIEVE in farming because it makes all this possible. ~ ~ ~ The family of Lowell Gustafson thanks everyone for their support, kindness and remembrances at this time. Thank you to Pastor Dave and all friends of Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church for helping with the service. Lunch and a time of remembering will take place immediately following the service. Memorials may be given to Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church, Montevideo Dialysis Unit, or Steppin' Out in Pink (supporting breast cancer research and services) team "Special Kathy." Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota